Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Quarterback, Issues Apology for Controversial Heisman Voter Comments

Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia Apologizes Following Heisman Trophy Controversy

New York – Vanderbilt University quarterback Diego Pavia made headlines after securing second place in the Heisman Trophy voting, finishing behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The announcement, which took place Saturday, sparked controversy when Pavia expressed his frustration on social media.

Following the results, Pavia shared a photo with his offensive linemen on his Instagram Stories, captioning it, “F-ALL THE VOTERS,” accompanied by a thumbs-down emoji, and concluded with, “BUT ….. FAMILY FOR LIFE.”

By Sunday evening, Pavia took to X to address his comments in a lengthy apology. “Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” he wrote. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to.”

He continued, “I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”

Mendoza received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points to Pavia’s 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points. Other finalists included Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in third place with 46 first-place votes and 719 points, and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who finished fourth with eight first-place votes and 432 points.

Mendoza’s performance this season has been impressive; he completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, recording a national-best 33 touchdown passes against six interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 240 yards and six touchdowns, helping Indiana achieve a 13-0 record.

In his apology, Pavia acknowledged Mendoza’s achievements, stating, “Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season.”

Pavia also had a notable season, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record, culminating in a spot at No. 14 in the final College Football Playoff rankings. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards, with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and rushed for 826 yards and nine touchdowns.

The 23-year-old, a former walk-on at New Mexico Military Institute, previously played at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024. He remarked on his past struggles in his apology, emphasizing the support he has received from his family and teammates throughout his journey.

“I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself,” he wrote. “My family has always been in my corner, and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”

Looking ahead, Vanderbilt is set to face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31.